High-speed printing apparatus for wirelike articles

ABSTRACT

High-speed printing apparatus for printing indicia on a wirelike article as the article is moved through the apparatus wherein a printing wheel is rotatably mounted on a shaft supported from a frame and is provided with peripheral printing surface with intaglio engraving incorporated into the printing surface. Guide rollers are mounted adjacent the printing wheel to direct and guide the article into and out of engagement with the peripheral printing surface. Movement of the article rotates the printing wheel, which receives ink at its printing surface when a portion of the wheel passes through an ink reservoir. Nonrotatable discshaped members are mounted adjacent each side of the printing wheel, and have peripheral surfaces congruent with the printing wheel printing surface. Gas passage means are provided within each disc member to receive a gas supply, such as air, to form a gas seal bearing between the side surface of the printing wheel and the adjacent side surfaces of the disc members. Blade means is disposed at an acute angle relative to the printing surface in a direction against the rotational direction of the printing wheel to shear away excess ink deposited on the printing surface.

United States Patent [4 ,1nn.ll0,1972

Gartside [54] MGM-SPEED rnmrmn APPARATUS iron wmnmrn An'rrctns [72] Inventor: Roger 1'11. Gartside, Township of Shaler,

Allegheny County, Pa. [73] Assignee: The Pannier Corporation [22] Filed: May 113, 1970 [21] App]. No.: 36,771

[52] U.S.Cl. ..101/37, 101/157, 101/169, 101/350, 308/363, 277/70 [51] Int. Cl. B41!l7/10,B4lf9/l0,Fl6j l5/40 [58] Field oiSearch ..101/153-156, 152, 101/157, 169, 350, 351, 363, 207, 208, 36, 37, 35, 6, 228; 118/203, DIG. 20, 234; 308/10 A, 36.3; 277/70 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,136,242 6/1964 Gemelli ..101/37 2,739,528 3/1956 Lowe ..101/37 1,812,920 7/1931 Ballard ...10l/l57 3,361,059 1/1968 Klingler .101/169 3,333,535 8/1967 Behringer 101/157 2,929,671 3/1960 Taylor ..346/74 3,109,682 ll/1963 Plumat 308/363 3,347,604 10/1967 Lavelle et a1. .....308/3 6 3 3,039,779 6/1962 Laird ..277/70 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 152,876 5/1952 Australia ..101/37 Primary Examiner-lRobert E. Pulfrey Assistant Examiner-Clifford D. Crowder Attorney-Carothers & Carothers [57] ABSTRACT High-speed printing apparatus for printing indicia on a wirelilce article as the article is moved through the apparatus wherein a printing wheel is rotatably mounted on a shaft supported from a frame and is provided with peripheral printing surface with intaglio engraving incorporated into the printing surface. Guide rollers are mounted adjacent the printing wheel to direct and guide the article into and out of engagement with the peripheral printing surface. Movement of the article rotates the printing wheel, which receives ink at its printing surface when a portion of the wheel passes through an ink reservoir. Nonrotatable disc-shaped members are mounted adjacent each side of the printing wheel, and have peripheral surfaces congruent with the printing wheel printing surface. Gas passage means are provided within each disc member to receive a gas supply, such as air, to form a gas seal bearing between the side surface of the printing wheel and the adjacent side surfaces of the disc members. Blade means is disposed at an acute angle relative to the printing surface in a direction against the rotational direction of the printing wheel to shear away excess ink deposited on the printing surface.

in cum, 3 Drawing figures PATENTED MM 8 m2 SHEET 2 BF 2 IN veu 1-02. IPOGER H. GAfTS/DE fafian/aesdfhear/lees HIGH-SPEED PRINTING APPARATUS IFGEt WIIRELHMIE ARTECLES BACKGROUND OF THE HNVENTION This invention relates to rotary printing apparatus wherein the article to be printed is of extensive length having a cylindrical surface and is delivered to the printing apparatus for continuous printing of intelligence on the surface of the article.

Printing apparatus have been developed in the past for printing intelligence on articles which are characterized by having extensive longitudinal length and possessing a circular cross section. An example of such articles is plastic-coated wire or tubing upon which intelligence is printed for the purposes of wire identification. Such a printing apparatus is used at the end of a production line of a wire-coating process, and the coated wire is passed in and out of engagement with a rotatable printing wheel within the printing apparatus.

Printing apparatus of this type are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,898,848 and 2,898,849. These patents disclose printing wheels provided with concave peripheral printing surfaces shaped to fit the roundness of the wirelike article. lntaglio engraving is provided in the concave peripheral surfaces. The printing wheels are mounted to be adjustable toward and away from one another, between which the wirelike article is passed to receive the intelligence thereon by means of transfer of ink from the intaglio engraving to the wire article. Ink reservoirs are provided below the printing wheels so that a portion of the printing wheel is immersed in the ink as the printing wheel is rotated.

Due to the fact that excess ink is deposited on the printing surface of the printing wheels, doctor blades or felt wipers are provided to engage both the concave printing surface as well as adjacent sides of the printing wheel to meter or wipe away excessive ink as the printing surface is rotated out of the ink reservoir.

in recent years, plastic-coated wire machinery has improved to such an extent that now the production of plastic coated wire has been increased as much as 75 percent. The printing apparatus such as disclosed in the above-mentioned patents have been found unacceptable for employment with high speed plastic-coated wire machinery because rotational velocities in excess of a predetermined limit caused the printing wheel to sling ink from the sides and surfaces of the printing wheel, regardless of the wiping action of ink metering or wiping devices employed with the printing wheel. Also, excessive heat is generated due to friction between the ink-metering devices and the printing wheel, and excessive turbulence is brought about in the ink reservoir due to the high speed rotational movement of the printing wheel through the ink in the reservoir. Also, this had the disadvantage of bringing about evaporation of solvents present in inks employed in such printing apparatus. The turbulence developed is similar to aeration, which dries the solvents out of the ink.

The printing apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned patents have been found incapable of successfully printing coated plastic wire wherein the printing wheel peripheral surface velocity was operated in excess of 1,500 feet per minute.

The printing apparatus of the present invention eliminates materially the aforementioned disadvantages encountered in previously known printing apparatus, providing a high speed printing apparatus capable of having a peripheral printing surface velocity in excess of 3,500 feet per minute.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The principle object of this invention is the provision of a high speed printing apparatus capable of receiving plasticcoated wire articles or the like, particularly wirelike articles having a resilient surface, at speeds in excess of 1,500 feet per minute without causing ink slinging and undue turbulence in the ink reservoir or the creation of excessive frictional heat due to the engagement of ink-metering devices on the printing wheel. This is accomplished by means of the provision of gas seal bearings established in the area. between both side surfaces of the printing wheel through the provision of nonrotatable or stationary end members positioned adjacent both sides of the printing wheel, eliminating the need for side ink-metering or wiping devices applied to the sides of the printing wheel. The nonrotatable end members are disc shaped and each have peripheral surfaces congruent to the peripheral printing surface of the printing wheel. The peripheral printing surface may be flat or concave in contour. Gas passage means are provided in each of the stationary end members to establish. upon application of a small gas pressure, the gas seal between the printing wheel and the adjacent stationary end members. The and members being stationary with a portion submerged in the ink reservoir diminish the turbulence in the ink reservoir by preventing ink from contacting the moving sides of the printing wheel.

A gas gap or radial labyrinth of approximately 5/1000 to 10/1000 of an inch is established between the stationary end members and the printing wheel to provide for the gas seal bearing. The gas seal not only provides an ideal bearing surface, but also prevents the penetration of ink down between the printing wheel and the stationary end members, eiiminating the need of side ink-wiping devices, as previously mentioned. The elimination of the side ink-metering devices as well as the establishment of a gas seal bearing permits high speed operation of the printing wheel since excessive frictional heat is not generated as is the case when side ink-metering devices are applied on the printing wheel. Also, the gas seal bearing, as established, provides a means for cooling the antifriction bearing upon which the printing wheel is rotatably mounted. This is particularly advantageous where high speed operation of the printing apparatus is desired.

Another object comprising this invention is the provision of blade means disposed at an acute angle relative to the peripheral printing surface in a direction against the rotational direction of the printing wheel to shear or actually cut away excess ink deposited on the printing surface of the printing wheel. Since the intelligence in the form of intaglio engraving on the printing surface is embedded in the surface, the blade means severs away excess ink leaving only that ink deposited in the engraving.

A blade in the form of a razor blade is suitable to provide the necessary shearing action and minimal contact for employment as an ink-metering device, particularly where the blade is disposed at an acute angle relative to a tangential plane passing through the point on the printing surface wherein the blade makes contact on this surface. The acute angle position of the blade relative to the printing wheel provides for minimal pressure in applying the blade as an ink-metering device. As a result, undue friction is not generated when the printing wheel is operated at high :rotational speeds, such as surface velocities in excess of 2,000 feet per minute. Also, the efficiency of themetering action necessary for such printing devices is not sacrificed due to high speed operation of the printing apparatus because of the minimal contact when a sharp edged blade is used as an ink-metering device positioned in a direction toward the rotational direction of the printing wheel to bring about a severing or shearing action with respect to excessive deposited ink on the peripheral printing surface.

Through experimentation, it has been found that the preferred acute angle at which the blade is disposed relative to the printing surface is approximately 30 measured from a tangential plane passing through a point on the printing surface wherein contact is made by the blade.

Another object comprising this invention is the provision of a pressure roller employed to engage the wirelike article to be printed at the point where the wirelike article comes into engagement with the peripheral printing surface. The pressure roller may be secured in position or spring biased against the wirelike article against the peripheral printing surface of the printing wheel.

Other objects and advantages appear in the following description and claims.

The accompanying drawings show, for the purpose of exemplification without limiting the invention or the claims thereto, certain practical embodiments illustrating the principles of this invention wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus comprising this invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the printing apparatus with a portion of the ink reservoir cut away.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view takeri along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 through 3 wherein there is shown the printing apparatus 1 comprising this invention and essentially consisting of the upright frame 2 having a base 3 and strengthening ribs 4.

To the frame 2 is attached the stationary shaft 5 by means of the fitting 6 secured to the frame 2, such as by welding shown at 7 in FIG. 3.

As can be clearly seen upon examination of FIG. 1, the wirelike article 10 upon which intelligence is to be printed is fed in the direction indicated by the arrow 8 and is guided over the printing wheel 11 by means of the guide rollers 12 and 13. Each of the guide rollers 12 and 13 have a .V-shaped peripheral contour and are rotatably mounted on the shafts 14 supported from the adjustable bracket members 15 which are adjustably securable to the frame 2 by means of the bolts 17. The members 15 are provided with the elongated openings 18 to permit adjustment of the guide rollers 12 and 13 toward and away from the printing wheel 11. This adjustment is made necessary to insure that the guide rollers can be properly adjusted regardless of the diameter of the wirelike article 10 to be printed.

As shown only in FIG. 2, an auxiliary pressure guide roller 20 may also be included to insure positive contact of the wirelike article 10 at the point where the article engages the peripheral printing surface. of the printing wheel 11. The pressure roller 20 is substantially at a 12:00 position relative to the printing wheel 11 and is rotatably mounted on the shaft member 21, which is secured to the bracket member 22 which in turn is secured to the frame 2 by means of the bolt 23. As in the case of the bracket members 15, the bracket member 22 is provided with an elongated opening 24 to permit adjustment of the pressure roller 20 toward and away from the printing wheel 1 l to adjust for different diametrical sizes of wirelike articles 10 upon which intelligence is to be printed. Means may be provided for the forward adjustment of the pressure roller 20 by a spring biasing arrangement to constantly bias the roller 20 in a downward position against the printing wheel peripheral printing surface 25.

Although the wirelike article 10 is shown to be passing horizontally through the printing apparatus, arrangement can be made of the guide rollers 12 and l3 and pressure roller 20 so that the wirelike article passes vertically through the printing apparatus such as is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,898,848.

The peripheral printing surface 25 has a flat cross-sectional contour, which surface is also congruent with the peripheral flat surfaces of the adjacent stationary end members 36 and 37 to be discussed hereinafter.

The ink reservoir 26 is the shape of an upwardly open container, and is attached to the frame 2 by any suitable means. However, the reservoir 26 is readily detachable in order that the printing wheel 11 may be readily detached from the shaft 5 upon removal of the reservoir 26 in order to substitute a new printing wheel 11 with different intaglio engraving incorporated in its peripheral printing surface 25. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink reservoir 26 is attached by means of the bracket members 27 attached to the ink reservoir 26 and the bolt members 28. The U-shaped cutout portion 30 is provided in the backwall 31 of the ink reservoir 26 in order that the ink reservoir may be conveniently removed from behind the printing wheel 11. v

As shown in FIG. 3, the shouldered stationary shaft 5 is secured to the fitting6 by means of the nut member 32. The forward end of the shaft 5 is provided with the thrust bearings 33 and 34 between which is provided the antifriction bearing 35 to rotatably support the printing wheel 11. The thrust bearings 33 and 34 hold fast the inner race of the antifrictional bearing 35, while at the same time support the stationary end members 36 and 37 on their respective shouldered sleeves 38 and 40 of the thrust bearings 33 and 34.

The forward end of the shaft 5 is provided with the washer member 41 and the nut member 42 to hold in secured relation the thrust bearings 33 and 34, the antifrictional bearing 35, as well as the stationary end members 36 and 37. The stationary end members 36 and 37 can be keyed so as not to rotate, or may be provided with the leg members at 43 to engage the bottom 44 of the ink reservoir 26 to prevent the rotation of these members about the shaft 5. The end members 36 and 37 covering the side surfaces of the printing wheel 11 and maintained so as not to rotate with the printing wheel 11, diminish the possibility of turbulence within the ink reservoir by preventing ink from contacting the moving sides 45 of the printing wheel submerged in the ink. The relationship ofthe stationary end members 36 and 37 in combination with the rotatable printing wheel 11 is such that there is provided a gas gap or radial labyrinth between the side surfaces 45 of the printing wheel 11 and adjacent inner side surfaces 46 of each of the stationary end members 36 and 37. This gas radial labyrinth is very small, and in each case on either side 45 of the printing wheel 11 and the adjacent respective sides 46 of the members 36 and 37 may be from a magnitude of 5/ l 000 to 10/ l 000 of an inch. The radial labyrinths are indicated in FIG. 3 by the thicker lines in those side areas indicated between the printing wheel 11 and the stationary end members 36 and 37 and end at the congruent peripheral surfaces of the end members and the printing wheel printing surface 25 as indicated at 71.

Each of the stationary end members 36 and 37 is provided in their facing sides 46 with an annular grooved-out portion indicated at 47, which annular grooved-out portion is connected by means of the passageway 48 located at the upper end of each of the stationary end members 36 and 37 to the fitting 50. The fitting 50 in turn is connected to the flexible hoses 51 which in turn are connected to a convenient gas supply means for the supplying under low pressure a gas, such as air, to the passageway 48' thence through the annular grooved-out portion 47 to provide a gas seal bearing between the inner side surfaces 46 of the end members 36 and 37 and the side sur- 7 faces 45 of the rotatable printing wheel 11. The pressure of the gas supply means is very small, for example, in the mag nitude of 5 p.s.i., and need only be sufficient to provide the necessary gas-bearing medium between the sides of the printing wheel 1 1 and the adjacent stationary end members.

The gas seal bearing provides a threefold function. First, and most importantly, the minimal pressure supplied through the establishment of the gas seal bearing medium prevents the ink deposited on the printing wheel 11 as it passes through the ink 53 in the reservoir 26 from seeping, or otherwise by capillary action, down along 'the sides 46 and 45 of the stationary end members 36 and 37 and the rotatable printing wheel 11, respectively. Thus, the need for side metering devices along the sides 45 of the printing wheel 11 is eliminated. With their elimination the generation of excessive frictional heat is also eliminated when the printing apparatus 1 is driven at high speeds.

Secondly, the establishment of a gas-bearing medium between the adjacent side surfaces 45 and 46 provides an ideal bearing medium between the rotational movement of the printing wheel 11 and the stationary end members 36 and 37.

Thirdly, the establishment of the gas seal bearing provides means for maintaining in a cool state the antifriction bearing 35.

Reference is now made to another important feature comprising the printing apparatus 1, which is directed to the particular blade means employed for removal of excess ink from the peripheral printing surface 25 immediately prior to the actual performing of the printing operation occurring when the wirelike article Ml is directed into and out of engagement with the printing surface 25. The ink metering blade 56 is secured to the blade support member 55 by means of the blade clamp 56 and the securing device 57'. The securing device 57 may be readily removed in order to conveniently change the blade 54 when necessary. The blade 54 comprises a very sharp edge blade, and the blade usually employed as an ink-metering blade is a conventional double-edge razor blade.

The blade support member 55 is attached to the upper end of the blade pivot bar 58 which in turn is pivotally secured through the pin member 66 to the blade bracket bar 6i. The blade bracket bar 6ll is fastened to the frame 2 by means of the bolt 62. Washer member 635 is provided between the frame 2 and the inner surface of the blade bracket bar 611 to properly align the blade M relative to the peripheral printing surface 25.

Spring 64 is provided to forwardly bias the blade pivot bar 58 to insure and provide minimal engagement of the blade 54 against the peripheral printing surface of the printing wheel 11]. One end of spring 6 3 is attached to the adjusting bracket 69 as indicated at 65, the latter being adjustable for purposes of adjusting spring tension. The bracket 69 is adjustably secured to the blade bracket bar 61. The other end of the spring 64 is attached to the bolt member 66 provided in the threaded opening 67 in the blade pivot bar 58. Adjustment of the spring tension imposed by the spring 64 of the pivot blade bar 58 can be made by adjustment of bracket 69 on the bracket bar 6f.

The angle at which blade 54 is disposed relative to the peripheral printing surface 25 of the printing wheel 111 can be readily adjusted by means of loosening the bolt 62 and thereafter rotating the blade bracket bar 611 in a direction toward or away from the printing wheel llll. After proper adjustment and a desired angle of the blade 54!- has been obtained, the bolt member 62 is once again fastened securely to prevent the blade bracket bar 61 from moving from its selected position. It has been found through experimentation that the preferred acute angle at which the blade 54 should be disposed relative to a tangential plane passing through a point on the peripheral printing surface 25 at which point the edge of the blade 54 contacts the peripheral printing surface is an angle of approximately Thus, blade bracket bar 61 can be adjusted to provide the proper angle of the blade 54- relative to the peripheral printing surface while at the same time adjust ment can be made to bolt member 66 to provide for minimal biasing pressure of the blade 54 against the printing surface.

The advantage of disposing the blade Sl at the proper acute angle relative to the peripheral printing surface of the printing wheel lll traveling in the direction indicated by the arrow 70 in a direction toward the blade 54! has the effect of severing or shearing away excessive deposits of ink on the peripheral printing surface 255. Also, it should be recognized there is a definite cooperative functional relationship between the gas seal bearing medium established between the sides 415 and 46 and the operation of the blade 54 disposed at an acute angle relative to the peripheral printing surface 25. As the printing wheel llll is rotated through the ink reservoir 26 receiving a deposit of ink 53 on the peripheral printing surface 25, the gas seal insures that there is no deposit of ink between the side surfaces 45 of the printing wheel 1111 and the inner adjacent side surfaces 46 of the end members 36 and 37. Any excessive ink collected along the surface area indicated generally at 7 i in FIG. 3 due to the application of the gas seal at this point is quickly sheared away by the action of the angularly disposed blade 54.

If desirable, the intaglio-engraved printing surface may be provided with a concave peripheral cross-sectional contour, and the bladei ll as disposed at an acute angle can be a tubular-shaped member with its forward end provided with a sharp edge to conform with the concave cross-sectional contour.

From the foregoing, it can be readily seen that the combination of the structure comprising the stationary end members 36 and 37 utilizing the formation of a gas seal bearing medium on adjacent sides of the printing wheel if in combination with the angularly disposed razor edge blade 5'4 positioned in a direction against the rotational direction of the printing wheel ill provides a printing apparatus ll susceptible of being operated at printing whee! surface velocities in excess of 2,000 feet per minute without causing undue excessive turbulence in the ink reservoir or the generation of excessive frictional heat, and yet provides for clear and precise printing of intelligence on a wirelike article Ill) as it passes over the printing surface 25 of the printing wheel lll.

lclaim:

l. A high speed printing apparatus for printing indicia on a wirelike article as it is moved through the apparatus comprismg a printing wheel rotatably mounted on a shaft and having a peripheral printing surface with intaglio engraving incorporated therein,

said printing wheel driven by the passage of said article over a portion of said peripheral printing surface,

guide roller means mounted adjacent each side of said printing wheel to direct and guide said article into and out of engagement with said peripheral printing surface,

means for supplying ink to said printing wheel,

a blade-metering means disposed at an acute angle relative to said peripheral printing surface in a direction against the rotational direction of said printing wheel to shear away excess ink from said printing surface,

a stationary end member mounted. adjacent each side of said printing wheel,

gas passage means provided within each of said stationary end members and in the sides thereon adjacent to said printing wheel to provide a gas seal to act as a bearing medium between the side surfaces of said printing wheel and said adjacent stationary end members, and

gas supply means for said gas passage means, whereby said gas seal tends to prevent ink from penetrating into the same.

2. The printing apparatus of claim ll characterized in that said blade metering means is a razor blade.

3. The printing apparatus of claim 11 characterized in that said blade metering means is disposed at an acute angle of 30 relative to a tangential plane passing through the point wherein said blade contacts said printing surface.

l. The printing apparatus of claim 1 characterized by a frame for rotatably supporting said printing wheel shaft and said guide roller means, a blade pivot bar to support said blade metering means, a blade bracket bar supported on said frame to pivotally support said blade pivot bar, means to bias said blade pivot bar toward said printing wheel, said blade bracket bar securably adjustable on said frame to provide for adjustment of said blade metering means acute angle.

5. The printing apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said printing wheel has a concave peripheral surface with intaglio engraving incorporated thereon, a tubular-shaped blade metering means disposed at an acute angle relative to said concave peripheral printing surface in a direction against the directional rotation of said printing wheel.

6. The printing apparatus of claim ll characterized in that said stationary end members are disc shaped having peripheral surfaces congruent with said peripheral printing surface.

7. The printing apparatus of claim 6 characterized in that said ink supply means consists of an ink reservoir disposed beneath said printing wheel to permit said wheel to pick up ink as the same is rotated, said stationary end members mounted on said printing whee! shaft, and a peg secured to each of said stationary end members and extending radially from the peripheral surface thereof to engage the bottom of said ink reservoir to prevent the rotational movement of said stationary end members on said shaft.

The printing apparatus of claim 11 characterized in that said stationary end members are mounted on and keyed to said printing wheel shaft.

9. The printing apparatus of claim 1 characterized b a frame for supporting said printing wheel shaft, said guide roller means comprising two guide rollers rotatably mounted from said frame adjacent said printing wheel and at substantially :00 o'clock and 2:00 oclock positions, respectively, relative to said printing wheel, said article received between said printing wheel and said guide rollers for printing engagement with said printing wheel peripheral printing surface.

10. The printing apparatus of claim 9 characterized by a rotatable pressure roller included in said guide roller means adjustably mounted on said frame adjacent to said printing wheel and at a substantially l2:00 oclock position relative to said printing wheel, said pressure roller adjusted to engage against said article against said peripheral printing surface to prevent rolling and lateral movement of said article as it passes over said printing wheel.

11. The printing apparatus of claim 9 characterized in said guide rollers are adjustably mounted on said frame to be selectively positioned toward and away from said peripheral printing surface.

12. The printing apparatus of claim 1 characterized by antifrictional bearing means to rotatably support said printing wheel on said sh 13. A high speed printing apparatus for printing indicia on a wirelike article as it is moved through the apparatus comprising a printing wheel rotatably mounted on a shaft and having a peripheral printing surface with intaglio engraving incor porated therein,

guide roller means mounted adjacent to said printing wheel to direct and guide said article into and out of engagement with said peripheral printing surface,

means for supplying ink to said printing wheel,

blade means biasly positioned against said peripheral printing surface to meter away excess ink deposited on said peripheral printing surface,

a stationary end member mounted adjacent each side of said printing wheel, each having peripheral surfaces congruent with said peripheral printing surface,

gas passage means provided in each of said end members to receive a gas and form a gas seal to act as a bearing medium between the side surfaces of said printing wheel and the adjacent side surfaces of said end members, means to supply a gas to said gas passage means, whereby said gas seal tends to prevent ink from penetrating into the same.

14, The high speed printing apparatus of claim 13 characterized in that said biasly positioned blade means is disposed at an acute angle relative to said peripheral printing surface in a direction against the rotational direction of said printing wheel to shear away excess ink from said printing surface. 

1. A high speed printing apparatus for printing indicia on a wirelike article as it is moved through the apparatus comprising a printing wheel rotatably mounted on a shaft and having a peripheral printing surface with intaglio engraving incorporated therein, said printing wheel driven by the passage of said article over a portion of said peripheral printing surface, guide roller means mounted adjacent each side of said printing wheel to direct and guide said article into and out of engagement with said peripheral printing surface, means for supplying ink to said printing wheel, a blade-metering means disposed at an acute angle relative to said peripheral printing surface in a direction against the rotational direction of said printing wheel to shear away excess ink from said printing surface, a stationary end member mounted adjacent each side of said printing wheel, gas passage means provided within each of said stationary end members and in the sides thereon adjacent to said printing wheel to provide a gas seal to act as a bearing medium between the side surfaces of said printing wheel and said adjacent stationary end members, and gas supply means for said gas passage means, whereby said gas seal tends to prevent ink from penetrating into the same.
 2. The printing apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said blade metering means is a razor blade.
 3. The printing apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said blade metering means is disposed at an acute angle of 30* relative to a tangential plane passing through the point wherein said blade contacts said printing surface.
 4. The printing apparatus of claim 1 characterized by a frame for rotatably supporting said printing wheel shaft and said guide roller means, a blade pivot bar to support said blade metering means, a blade bracket bar supported on said frame to pivotally support said blade pivot bar, means to bias said blade pivot bar toward said printing wheel, said blade bracket bar securably adjustable on said frame to provide for adjustment of said blade metering means acute angle.
 5. The printing apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said printing wheel has a concave peripheral surface with intaglio engraving incorporated thereon, a tubular-shaped blade metering means disposed at an acute angle relative to said concave peripheral printing surface in a direction against the directional rotation of said printing wheel.
 6. The printing apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said stationary end members are disc shaped having peripheral surfaces congruent with said peripheral printing surface.
 7. The printing apparatus of claim 6 characterized in that said ink supply means consists of an ink reservoir disposed beneath said printing wheel to permit said wheel to pick up ink as the same is rotated, said stationary end members mounted on said printing wheel shaft, and a peg secured to each of said stationary end members and extending radially from the peripheral surface thereof to engage the bottom of said ink reservoir to prevent the rotational movement of said stationary end members on said shaft.
 8. The printing apparatus of claim 1 characterized in that said stationary end members are mounted on and keyed to said printing wheel shaft.
 9. The printing apparatus of claim 1 characterized b a frame for supporting said printing wheel shaft, said guide roller means comprising two guide rollers rotatably mounted from said frame adjacent said printing wheel and at substantially 10:00 o''clock and 2:00 o''clock positions, respectively, relative to said printing wheel, said article received between said printing wheel and said guide rollers for printing engagement with said printing wheel peripheral printing surface.
 10. The printing apparatus of claim 9 characterized by a rotatable pressure roller included in said guide roller means adjustably mounted on said frame adjacent to said printing wheel and at a substantially 12:00 o''clock position relative to said printing wheel, said pressure roller adjusted to engage against said article against said peripheral printing surface to prevent rolling and lateral movement of said article as it passes over said printing wheel.
 11. The prInting apparatus of claim 9 characterized in said guide rollers are adjustably mounted on said frame to be selectively positioned toward and away from said peripheral printing surface.
 12. The printing apparatus of claim 1 characterized by antifrictional bearing means to rotatably support said printing wheel on said shaft.
 13. A high speed printing apparatus for printing indicia on a wirelike article as it is moved through the apparatus comprising a printing wheel rotatably mounted on a shaft and having a peripheral printing surface with intaglio engraving incorporated therein, guide roller means mounted adjacent to said printing wheel to direct and guide said article into and out of engagement with said peripheral printing surface, means for supplying ink to said printing wheel, blade means biasly positioned against said peripheral printing surface to meter away excess ink deposited on said peripheral printing surface, a stationary end member mounted adjacent each side of said printing wheel, each having peripheral surfaces congruent with said peripheral printing surface, gas passage means provided in each of said end members to receive a gas and form a gas seal to act as a bearing medium between the side surfaces of said printing wheel and the adjacent side surfaces of said end members, means to supply a gas to said gas passage means, whereby said gas seal tends to prevent ink from penetrating into the same.
 14. The high speed printing apparatus of claim 13 characterized in that said biasly positioned blade means is disposed at an acute angle relative to said peripheral printing surface in a direction against the rotational direction of said printing wheel to shear away excess ink from said printing surface. 